Characteristics of living things
Answers are for parents and teachers.
1
Decide if each is living and give a reason: a mushroom, a rock, a toy robot, a tulip bulb.
Mushroom: yes, it feeds, grows and reproduces. Rock: no. Toy robot: no, it does not grow or reproduce. Tulip bulb: yes, it waits and then grows.
2
Draw the photosynthesis box-and-arrow picture, then draw cellular respiration as its reverse.
Photosynthesis: carbon dioxide + water + light gives glucose + oxygen. Respiration: glucose + oxygen gives carbon dioxide + water + energy.
3
With an adult, count your breaths in one minute at rest and after gentle stepping on the spot. What do you notice and why?
Answers differ a little, but breathing is faster after moving. The cells need more oxygen to release more energy.
4
Write one thing that is the same and one that is different when you compare photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
The same: both use glucose, oxygen, carbon dioxide and water. Different: they run in opposite directions; photosynthesis stores light energy in glucose, respiration releases energy from glucose.
5
Choose one of growth, reproduction, sensation or adaptation. Write two sentences about it.
Answers differ. For example: a camel’s wide feet are an adaptation to walking on sand.